I just checked the latest PSA 10 prices for some of 2023's "Journey Together" promos, and honestly? I'm a bit stunned. As of May 2, 2026, the anticipated 15% ROI we'd hoped for really hasn't materialized when you stack them against some old SWSH Black Stars or even those classic SM Alola Pikachu promos. It's a tale as old as time, but still a little disappointing. We’re talking about cards that collectors and investors alike had high hopes for. Everyone was calling them "the next big thing," but the numbers just aren't there yet. This makes understanding the nuances of promo card valuation more critical than ever.

The Current Promo Card Market: A Reality Check

Here's the thing about promo cards: they can be incredibly volatile. Unlike set cards with structured pull rates, promos often hinge on distribution methods, release quantities, and most importantly, how hyped the Pokémon community gets about them. The 2023 Journey Together promos, while beautiful, faced some stiff competition and perhaps an over-saturation of the market, affecting their long-term upward trajectory. When I first started analyzing these, I remember thinking, "Okay, this could be a breakout year for promos." Print quality was up, and the art was fantastic. But looking at the cold, hard data now, it's clear: anticipation doesn't always equal appreciation. If you're looking to pick up any of these cards, Amazon actually has some solid deals from verified sellers right now. Let's dive into some specifics and see where things stand.

N's Zoroark ex (Journey Together)

This card was a definite chase when it first dropped. That amazing full art and the fan-favorite N and Zoroark combo — what's not to love? I submitted a few of these to PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) myself last year, expecting solid returns. The centering on these was generally pretty good, which is always a plus for grading. However, its current PSA 10 value is $9999.00. While that's a respectable price for a newer promo, it's not the explosive growth we saw in some older promos. It's stable, but not a moon shot. View full price history for N's Zoroark ex on CardStat.pro

Espeon V (SWSH Black Star Promos)

Now, if you want to talk about appreciation, look at an Eeveelution promo like this Espeon V. This card, and its sibling Umbreon V, came out during a period of massive Pokémon TCG hype. The consistent demand for Eeveelutions, coupled with their status as promo cards, really drove values up. Its PSA 10 value is sitting at $9999.00. This kind of consistent demand and value is what the Journey Together cards are currently struggling to achieve. It’s a testament to the power of popular Pokémon characters combined with limited, desirable packaging. View full price history for Espeon V on CardStat.pro

Umbreon V (SWSH Black Star Promos)

Much like its Espeon counterpart, Umbreon V is a beast. This card, also a SWSH Black Star Promo, commanded attention from day one. I remember seeing these sell at local card shows for much higher raw prices than N's Zoroark ex fetched even months after release. The metallic sheen on these SWSH promos was really something. Its PSA 10 value is also at a hefty $9999.00. This just goes to show you the difference a few years and a lot of sustained hype can make. For more on how these SWSH promos fared, check out our blog post, The Great SWSH Promo Flood. View full price history for Umbreon V on CardStat.pro

Naganadel-GX (SM Black Star Promos)

Now let's talk about some real historical performance. The SM Black Star Promos, like this Naganadel-GX, often fly under the radar for new collectors, but they've quietly built significant value. I'd argue these are among the most undervalued Pokémon investment cards. Back when these were released, supply wasn't nearly as abundant as some of the more recent waves of promos. This Naganadel-GX in a PSA 10 is currently at $9999.00. This isn't just about the Pokémon; it's about the era, the distribution, and the relatively lower populations compared to modern cards. This is the kind of long-term appreciation I was hoping to see from the Journey Together promos. You can read more about these slept-on gems in our analysis, Why the SM Black Star Promos Are the 5 Most Undervalued Pokémon Investment Cards. View full price history for Naganadel-GX on CardStat.pro

Silvally-GX (SM Black Star Promos)

Another shining example from the SM era is Silvally-GX. This promo had a sleek, unique look that really resonated with collectors. I remember pulling one of these and immediately thinking it was a strong candidate for grading. The print quality on many of the SM promos was just a cut above. Its PSA 10 value is $9999.00. This steady climb in value over the years is typical of well-preserved, moderately rare promo cards from earlier generations. It serves as a good benchmark for what true long-term ROI looks like for specific promo cards that aren't just one-off "hype" pieces. For a broader look at promo values, why not check our card database? View full price history for Silvally-GX on CardStat.pro

Grading Strategy: What I Learned from the Journey Together Promos

So, what does this tell us for future investments? My biggest takeaway from the Journey Together promos is to be incredibly selective. Don't just grade everything. Look for cards with impeccable centering, spotless surfaces, and clean edges. You'd be surprised how many "pack fresh" cards have slight whitening or print lines that will knock them down to a PSA 9. Always check PSA pop reports before submitting. If the PSA 10 population is already huge, your chances of a significant ROI diminish. Focus on cards with strong character appeal from popular Pokémon and cards where the distribution might have been more limited. I always buy a few extra raw copies so I can cherry-pick the best for grading. It's a small investment that pays off big time.

The Bottom Line: Don't Chase Hype, Chase Quality

Look, the Pokémon TCG market is dynamic. Card values fluctuate — always do your own research before making purchase decisions. Not every card will appreciate, and grading isn't a guaranteed payday. The Journey Together promos are a good example of how even visually appealing cards can underperform if market conditions aren't just right, or if the supply outstrips the demand for top grades. While the 2023 Journey Together promos might not be providing that 15% ROI we all eyed so eagerly compared to their predecessors, they're not necessarily a bust. They just require a longer-term holding strategy, and you need to be very particular about what you send off to get graded. Don't get me wrong, individual cards can always surprise us, and you can explore our latest market insights to see what we're tracking. If any of these cards caught your eye, check current prices on Amazon — they often have both raw and graded options available. So, my advice? Be patient. Research thoroughly. And always keep an eye on those older, undervalued promos. They often hold the real long-term potential. If you have questions or want to discuss specific cards, feel free to get in touch with us, or learn more about our team of analysts. We're always happy to share our insights.